Mila's 1st Birthday Party

As you know, I have been very excited about planning Mila's first birthday party. We decided on a mermaid theme and wanted to focus on using the colors mint, coral, silver and gold. I tried to be thoughtful about incorporating the theme, from the toothpicks with little shells attached to the tops, to the oyster macaroons, to the beach bucket party favors. Luckily for us, it's summer time and the colors we picked are trending right now, so everything seemed to fall into place nicely. After spending so much time planning, you can imagine how thrilled I was to be voted Best Decorations by PartyPail.com!

The first thing I picked out was Mila's outfit. I ordered that back in April. Shortly after (maybe even the same day) I found her invitations, which were like a sign that this was the perfect theme and color combination. Someone actually asked me if I planned the party around the invitations--I didn't, I just got lucky to find something that so appropriately complimented my vision!

Custom Mermaid Outfit for Mila

Mint Maxi Dress for Mom

Mermaid Invitations and Printables

Because I love to bake, the dessert table was a huge focus the entire planning process. I knew I wanted to have it inside on the bar so that it would greet people as they walked in, but this meant limited space. the top of my bar has two built in ice buckets that take up about a quarter of the surface, so I had to pick a few desserts that would make a big impact.

Four layer butter cake with vanilla buttercream frosting

studded with chocolate pearls

Chocolate cupcakes with mint-colored vanilla buttercream frosting 

and printable toppers

Vanilla "oyster" macaroons by Cassis American Brasserie

Peanut butter "Sand Dollar" cookies

I wanted to keep food simple since the dessert table was quite labor intensive, so I went with some of my favorite crowd pleasers: pulled pork, dry-rub ribs, quiche, potato salad and fruit salad.

You may not know this about me, but I hate tacky party games. Unless Mila comes crying to me about wanting to play Pin the Tail on the Donkey at her birthday party, it's not going to happen. Naturally, I had zero games planned for Mila's first birthday. However, with the help of Charlie Coco's I did set up a headband and clip making station so that Mila's guests could make her a headband or clip. It ended up being a huge success. I couldn't be more happy with the outcome; not to mention, Charlie Coco's owner, Amber, is an absolute delight to work with!

We kept the decorations to a minimum but used them to help carry the theme and make the party cohesive. 

Paper Straws

I was thrilled with how everything turned out for Mila's party and by how the day went. Everyone was happy and really seemed to enjoy themselves, especially Mila. She was particularly excited about her sugar free chocolate smash cake with whipped cream.

Birthday Crown

"One" Onesie (I would not recommend buying this product or purchasing from this store, ever)

Oh, and swinging, she loves swinging.

Now, to start planning next year's party. I'll give you a hint about the theme, her second birthday will be her "golden" birthday since she was born on the second. Gold. Everything.

Happy 1st Birthday again, Mila Joan. I love you more than I ever knew to be possible.

♥A

Mila's 1st Birthday: Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Mila woke as usual, around 7:30AM. Normally I walk into her bedroom singing the "Good Morning" song but, appropriately, switched it to "Happy Birthday" followed by lots of clapping.

We got Mila ready for the day and dropped her off at Miss Emily's house (our in-home day care facility) by 8:30AM. I made sugar-free chocolate cupcakes with a strawberry filling and whipped cream to send for Mila and her friends at day-care. They also enjoyed a field trip to Great Explorations Children's Museum in honor of Mila's birthday.

Ryan worked from home on Mila's birthday so he was there when we arrived home from work and day-care. Ryan and I shared a beer and played in the backyard with Mila and Jonah.

As it got later, we decided to try to make it to the beach for the sunset. Unfortunately, it was much to cloudy for that, but the beach was vacant and beautiful--perfect for letting Mila run around.

We got home to Shepard's Pie and more cupcakes. We sang to Mila and helped her blow out her candle before letting her tear into it.

Such a quiet, simple day, but it was perfect for us. It was nice to spend an intimate evening together as a family of three (four if you include Jonah); although, I'm kicking myself for not taking the day off from work. I know Mila won't remember, but I promised her I will never work again on her birthday. As a child with a birthday smack in the middle of summer vacation, she'll never have balloons or flowers sent to her class in the middle of the school day as my parents had done for me. I'll have to find my own ways of making her feel special on her birthday, and taking the day off will certainly be a step in the right direction.

♥A

Mila's 12 Month Pictures

We haven't done professional pictures with Mila since she was born--and those were half-assed and partly unwanted (I don't mean to sound ungrateful, read the whole story here). Mila's first birthday marked a very special occasion and we really wanted to get it on film, so the Sunday before Mila's first birthday we met with Kate from Katogenic Photography at our house for pictures. We finished off the session by heading to our favorite beach approach, it was the perfect morning for pictures. We are so grateful to have had the chance to work with Kate, we assure you, it won't be the last time. Here are just a few of the fabulous pictures she took:

♥A

Fourth of July '12 & '13

Last year, on the Fourth of July, we woke up in the hospital with a daughter who was about 43 hours old and who was still nameless. Shortly after we woke, we were told we would be allowed to leave. It was a beautiful day outside, the perfect Fourth of July. The sun was shining and the Rays were lacing up their cleats just a few blocks away in anticipation for the early afternoon game versus the Yankees.

By hour 46 we had decided on a name that fit our brown-haired beauty perfectly, Mila Joan. After we packed up to leave, they wheeled us to the elevator. I remember sitting in the wheel chair on the elevator, holding Mila strapped in the car seat on my lap thinking, "this is her first elevator ride." Humorously enough, I don't remember being as sentimental in the car--although I did nag Ryan at every turn and red light to drive more cautiously. By the time we pulled out of the hospital parking lot, the baseball game had begun so we basically had the road to ourselves. I was physically exhausted and starving for some non-hospital food. We drove through Wendy's--because who wants to go out to eat 48 hours after giving birth? The girl at the Wendy's drive through complimented us on Mila's festive attire and congratulated us on our new daughter. I wonder how frequently new parents hit the drive through on the way home.

When we arrived at home our house was clean, the refrigerator was stocked, the dog was fed and my mom was waiting patiently to make sure we settled in before she went home. We took a couple of bad terrible pictures before I tucked Mila into her bassinet and I crawled into our bed. I turned on HGTV, ate about a quarter of my salad and passed out. The rest of the day was spent in bed snuggling with my new family. Mila woke up to eat as the beach fireworks starting going off. I remember she jumped the first few times she heard the "Boom!" We got her back to sleep and walked out to the drive way to try to catch a few fireworks before the display ended. We saw a couple over the tree line before I had to go back inside--standing for a long time still wasn't really an option at that point.

Although it was quiet, it was the perfect way to spend our first holiday as a family. I will certainly never forget Fourth of July 2012. 

This year was a bit more traditional. Beach, beer, sandy sandwiches and fireworks! The day started off with a festive breakfast...

Red Velvet Waffles by JLGarv

...festive gear and, of course, a Publix run (it's one of the few holidays they're open, I like to take advantage).

We were at the beach by noon and stayed until the black line of impending rain got too close for our taste. 

We packed up camp (which is actually pretty accurate considering we had two tents, multiple coolers, a grill, beer pong table, pack and play, etc., etc., etc.), loaded the car and shut our doors just as the first rain drops hit the windshield. Our timing was epic, to say the least. 

We went home to nap through the rain storm. Around 8PM I woke everyone up and we rallied with our friends at the beach to watch the fireworks. Unfortunately, due to the storm, the fireworks display was cancelled last minute on our island. However, the islands north and south still had their displays so Mila got to witness all the glory from a reasonable distance, which worked out well, as I wasn't sure how she would take all the noise. She was actually mesmerized by the noise, lights and flairs, even the close ones the crowd on the beach set off. She didn't jump once and didn't complain when the rain started again. It was the time, if anything, that got on her nerves. When we got to the car she was ready to go to bed. 

Next year, since the Fourth will be on a Friday, we're thinking about renting a room for the weekend. It would be so much easier. Mila would be able to sleep when she wanted, we would be able to hang out later, no one would have to drive or ride their bikes (my friends got into a bicycle accident on the way home this year, no major injuries) and maybe we'd be able to prevent sandy sandwiches--because no one really likes that part of the Fourth anyway.

♥A

Dear Mila: Happy 1st Birthday

My Sweet Mila Girl,

Today you became a one-year-old. I'm sorry that it's taken me an entire year to write you. I've been trying to be conscious about my time with you. When you're awake I sincerely try to enjoy every second we have together. I love taking you for walks around the neighborhood, reading to you, having tea parties and playing in the backyard with you and Jonah. Yet, even with all the together time we share, I'm flabbergasted with how quickly this year went. I can barely remember the small, soft bundle of love that we brought home from the hospital. 

This afternoon I stumbled across some pictures of you around five months. You smiled as you enjoyed tummy time on the Baby Einstein Under the Sea Activity Mat that Aunt Josee gave you. My heart ached for that bald lump of cuddliness. So badly I yearned to go home to you, to hold you and smother you with kisses. 

When the clock struck five, I scrambled out of the door and was thrilled when I walked into Miss Emily's house and was greeted with your warm smile. When I got to you, you reached toward me with your free hand, pulled me close and buried your face in my dress, not unlike you do to Jonah's thick fur. Being loved by you is so fulfilling. 

You consume my heart with love and make me want to fight for every breath. I never want there to be a time in either of our lives when we have to live without one another. You are my sole reason for living, my absolute everything. I hope that you can understand my love as you grow, but if you take after me--like our friends and family insist--you may not be able to, until you are a mother yourself.

Thank you for teaching me what it is to take things slow and enjoy life. Even tonight when we arrived home I took the time to put comfy clothes on both you and me before going outside to play. What's the point in playing if you're going to be uncomfortable? Who cares if we make a little extra laundry? 

Tonight your dad and I shared a beer while we watched you play. Jonah danced around you and you laughed as you tried to catch him and eat leaves at the same time. We decided to head down to the beach approach (103rd and Gulf) so you could eat sand instead, you love to eat sand. You also love challenging the waves--even though they occasionally get the best of you. You're not afraid. No matter how many times you've been knocked over by a wave, you've always gone back.

You're so strong. You're wise, determined and independent. You're what a woman in the 21st century should be like. I admire you. I want to be more like you. Maybe when I grow up I will be. In the mean time, I'll keep doing what I'm doing--which, in most cases, is whatever you want to do. 

I vow to be the mother you need me to be. I vow to listen and to be empathetic. I will strive to continue to learn and to never assume that I know it all. I pray you will always know you can come to me, for you are my daughter, my blood and inspiration. In my heart you will never be judged, only loved, for I am your mother and with me you are home.

Happy 1st Birthday Mila Joan, I love you to the edge of the world. 

Mom

♥A